ASEAN is irreplaceable.

In an interview following his trip to Thailand, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that while some Southeast Asian countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, ASEAN is irreplaceable.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (left) meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on June 26. (Source: Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

He emphasized that ASEAN is a region with 680 million people, a GDP of approximately $3.5 trillion, and the potential to double or quadruple in the next two to three decades.

In early June, Thailand and Malaysia revealed plans to join BRICS, a group of emerging economies led by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Prior to that, Myanmar and Laos had expressed interest in joining the bloc.

Mr. Balakrishnan emphasized that ASEAN has signed trade agreements with countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan. Member countries also have binding relationships such as the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement established by Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand.

The Singaporean Foreign Minister added that ASEAN countries' efforts to expand markets and access partners do not hinder the bloc's overall development and bilateral economic relations. As long as these measures promote a level playing field and enhance investment and trade attractiveness for member countries, Singapore supports all such initiatives.

Mr. Balakrishnan paid an official visit to Thailand at the invitation of his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa. On June 26, he delivered the opening speech at the Thailand-Singapore Public Service Exchange Program. Established in 1997, the program brings together civil servants from both countries to share ideas and experiences in areas such as healthcare, leadership development, and education .

In his speech, Balakrishnan stated that the global economic model is under pressure as the world is fractured by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as maritime tensions in the Pacific and South China Sea.

Given the current global situation, old formulas for economic growth and cooperation will be difficult to apply. Bilaterally, Singapore and Thailand need common goals in this new landscape, seeking opportunities in areas such as the digital space and sustainable economy.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngoai-truo-ng-singapore-asean-la-khong-the-thay-the-276525.html